The Perimenopause Podcast

If there was one single piece of advice I would give to any women suffering from symptoms of hormonal imbalance during perimenopause, it would be SLOW DOWN.... Your adrenal glands are possibly not keeping up with the pace, which leads to lower production of sex hormones and high levels of low-level inflammation. In this episode, I share 5 principles that I live by and some hard questions that you need to ask yourself. Join me on this episode and let's talk about your pace. If you would like to learn more about the Hormone Health Academy, you can read more or join here.  I'd love to have you inside this personal, 12 week small group coaching program. You can also send me an email at wellness@vandghie.com or send me a direct message either on Facebook or on Instagram if you have any questions about the program (or anything else). Thanx for being here!

A common 'solution' for the health system to the symptoms of perimenopause, is hormonal contraceptives.  Particularly when it comes to period symptoms such as heavy, painful or irregular periods. In this episode, I talk about why hormonal contraceptives is actually no solution at all and why you should do further investigation and look for alternative solutions. If you're interested to read more about the Hormone Health Academy, you can find out more here. You can also send me an email at wellness@vandghie.com or send me a direct message either on Facebook or on Instagram    Rom 5:1-5: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

I’ve served women on the Perimenopause Podcast for about 100 episodes over 2 years and it’s been a great joy! But this is the very last episode… Today I’m sharing the backstory of why I’m retiring this podcast and where I’m heading next. I’d absolutely love for you to come with me, so you can find my brand new podcast, Self-less Care, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcast platforms. So tune in to today’s episode and hear me spill the tea!  

In this monumental 100th episode of the Perimenopause Podcast, I'm sharing some really exciting news of why I'm changing EVERYTHING about my podcast AND business after 100 episodes. Having seen numerous women business owners suffer severe burnout due to hormonal imbalances caused by perimenopause, I've decided to narrow down my focus specifically to female entrepreneurs The upcoming episodes will introduce a brand-new, rebranded focus on the lifestyle factors affecting women's hormones, and less of the specific hormonal physiology. The podcast will provide insights on topics such as self-worth, family, past trauma, and how they impact women's hormonal health and wellness. I'll be bringing on some of my most loved experts to help you build your business in a holistic way, from health and wellness, to business strategy and everything in between. While this change may not be a perfect fit for all my current listeners, this hub will focus on high-achieving women to find comprehensive information and support during their perimenopause & entrepreneurial journey. This episode marks the beginning of a new era for the Perimenopause Podcast (soon to be rebranded), as well as my continued commitment to reaching and supporting as many women navigating these challenges as possible. I hope you'll enjoy this episode and hang around for the next 100 episodes! ********************************* If you'd love to get in touch with me, you can find me here: Email: wellness@vandghie.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vandghie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vandghie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandghie/  

Burnout sounds like a big word, which won't affect us personally. But burnout can sneak in unnoticed and steal your joy, energy, motivation, business, relationships and health! In this episode I share: - the difference between stress and burnout; - the difference between burnout and depression; - the 12 stages of burnout - the major causes of burnout (yes, like having an A-type personality); - the early signs of burnout; and - the proactive steps you can take to prevent or recover from burnout. If this episode has shed some light on your need for an action plan to prevent or recover from burnout, let's have a conversation.  I'd love to help you get there.  You can book a complimentary call here.

While HRT offers substantial health benefits, there are some key considerations in determining if this is the right step for you.  I've recently had a few questions around the use of HRT (yes, there has been a massive hype on social media about this) and I think it's important to see it as a short-term solution, not the ultimate fix, to hormonal imbalances.  In this episode I discuss the important steps to consider when you think about 'fixing' your hormone imbalance during perimenopause and the key, foundational steps to take FIRST before considering any pharmaceutical drugs (which includes Hormone Replacement Therapy - HRT). I also mention some pretty helpful herbal remedies that I've used with my clients and on myself and that you should try also BEFORE considering HRT. If you would like to talk through your personalized health strategy, including supplements and herbal remedies, I'd love to help you determine what the best next step is for you.  So book a free discovery call here.  

In this episode, Vandghie takes a critical look at popular health trends popularised by successful female entrepreneurs on social media channels and  emphasizes the importance of foundational health principles over fleeting trends. Key Takeaway: Health crazes are not a replacement for foundational health strategies. Timestamps: 00:01:31 - 00:02:29 Host talks about taking a break and the importance of self-care 00:02:29 - 00:05:57 Discusses health trends and crazes 00:05:57 - 09:53 Importance of foundational health strategies 00:09:53 - 11:24 The five key takeaways (see below) Five Key Takeaways: Nutrition: Focus on nourishing your body with regular meals. Plan your meals and prioritize breakfast. Movement: Move your body regularly in a way you enjoy. Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is essential for health and well-being. Nervous System Regulation: Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can help manage stress. Support: Build a support network of people who can encourage and help you. Call to Action: Book a complimentary zoom call with me and let's determine what the best first step would be in your health strategy.

In this engaging episode of the Perimenopause Podcast, I interview my dear friend and esteemed business strategist, Jan Ditchfield. Jan shares the transformative improvement she experienced by tackling her hormonal imbalances head-on. This conversation highlights the substantial impact of addressing perimenopause and hormonal imbalances on diverse aspects of a woman's life, including business success.  Simple changes in Jan's daily routine, led to enhanced work productivity, resulting in larger successful launches and overall business growth.  Discover how investing in your wellness can optimally fuel your business growth and prevent burnout in this enriching episode. If you're managing health challenges and wish to weave your health plan seamlessly into your business strategy for peak performance, book your free call with me here.   Learn more about Jan here: No BS Business School Podcast  www.janditchfield.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janditchfield.co/

Things are a bit different than usual around here this week... This episode centers around a must-listen Q&A session with my dear friend, Jan Ditchfield, an expert business strategist and the questions that she gets from her clients.  Jan invited her clients to submit their burning questions around perimenopause and business growth, which she directs to me in this fun interactive episode.   Dive into conversations about managing burnout, recognising its signs, and establishing wellness plans. We talk about stress, magic foods, supplements, how to use your hormones to make more money and planning your business launches around your menstrual cycle. Make sure to join my FREE upcoming Peak Performance Bootcamp, you can save your seat here. Episode summary: Intro Vandghie announces a different Q&A style episode focusing on perimenopause and its impact on business. Her guest, Jan Ditchfield, a business strategist, have received questions from her clients who are women in business and are asking these questions to Vandghie. Jan has experienced health challenges and become an advocate for health as part of a business strategy. Importance of Health in Business Vandghie emphasizes that health and business strategy are interconnected. Excellent business strategy and support are needed, but so is a health strategy. Question 1: Burnout vs. Rough Patch Rebecca asks how to distinguish between burnout and a rough patch in business. Burnout is complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, leading to an inability to function normally. It's a culmination of a process, not a sudden event. Rough patches are common, but not addressing them can lead to burnout. It's crucial to be mindful of your body's signals and implement a wellness plan to prevent burnout. Question 2: Stress and Burnout Jennifer asks about stress and its role in burnout, along with how to manage it. Stress is a major contributor to burnout, especially when you lack tools and support to manage it. Healthy stress can be motivating, but stress without a recovery plan leads to burnout. Stress can be physiological (not eating, sleeping, or exercising enough) or emotional (worrying). Conclusion Vandghie emphasizes the importance of managing both physiological and emotional stress. Implementing systems and processes reduces mental stress. Listeners are encouraged to tune in next week for the full interview with Jan Ditchfield.  

Make sure to join the upcoming Peak Performance Bootcamp, save your seat here. Welcome to another episode of the Perimenopause Podcast hosted by Vandghie, a Dietitian, Peak Performance & Executive Coach and entrepreneur.  This podcast is a lifeline for ambitious women looking to draw the link between hormonal health and business success. In this episode, we delve into the concept of the Chief Health Officer (CHO) in the workspace, and how it is undeniably influential in maintaining a successful business, especially for women navigating through perimenopause. From addressing a range of physical and emotional challenges to discussing topics often overlooked by doctors, this episode is packed with useful insights, personal experiences, and specialist advice. Vandghie emphasizes the importance of wellness in the work environment, revealing that businesses that prioritize health could see a return on investment as high as $6 for every dollar spent. Join the conversation, discover the unexpected link between your health and business prosperity, and gear up for a journey of self-discovery and ultimate wellness. Why should health not be an essential part of your business strategy? In this discussion, we discuss the role of a CHO in preventing burnout and stress often seen in high-performance enterprises and how they can steer your business to success. From hormonal shifts to creating a wellness-driven culture, discover how core health concerns can be addressed and prevented. If you're dealing with specific women’s health issues like perimenopause or are in need of preventive health measures, tune in and discover how a CHO could profoundly shift the trajectory of women in business. Ignoring health can significantly affect productivity and profits, so join this essential conversation about making health wellness a prioritized part of your business strategy for ongoing success. Take the next step and join the Peak Performance Bootcamp program here. Dive into specifics about personal hormonal profiles, their interplay with business performance, and strategies for integrating wellness into your business activities for improved growth and productivity. Start prioritizing your health today and propel your business to a whole new level of success.

Join The Peak Performance Bootcamp here. The common message out there paints success as good business growth and performance and a revenue of 6 or 7 figures. For me, success has a much deeper meaning than this.  It's once we can define our idea of success, that we know how to stop paying for our business success with our health and relationships  Key Takeaways: Success is not just measured by financial gain or business performance. It also includes the quality of your relationships, health, and personal fulfilment. Signs you're paying for business success with your health: Reduced energy levels Anxiety Weight gain Impaired gut health No intentionality with meals and movement Signs you're paying for business success with your relationships: Reduced enjoyment from your career/business Yelling at your kids regularly No hobbies or holidays No dates or romantic breaks 5 Strategies to Stop Paying for Business Success with Your Health & Relationships: Set health KPIs (key performance indicators): These could be things like daily walks, date nights, or quiet time. Set boundaries: Decide what is and is not acceptable in your work and personal life and hold yourself accountable. Schedule your health: Schedule meals, walks, and other self-care activities in your calendar. Schedule your relationships: Schedule date nights, family activities, and other time for connection. Develop self-awareness: Identify the thought patterns that are sabotaging your health and relationships. Make sure to my upcoming, FREE 5-day Peak Performance Bootcamp to learn more about identifying and addressing burnout and hormonal imbalances. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:23 Importance of defining success 04:35 Signs you're paying for success with your health 09:23 Signs you're paying for success with your relationships 13:38 5 strategies to stop paying for success with health & relationships 18:23 Invitation to the Peak Performance Bootcamp 23:00 Conclusion

Make sure to download my free Energy Restore Kit here to assess your burnout risk and get practical recommendations to get rid of fatigue, overwhelm and burnout and get back to PEAK PERFORMANCE... Burnout, fatigue and overwhelm is common among high performing women.  It's crucial to recognize the symptoms of fatigue before burnout makes it's home in your life. In this episode, I focus on: The 5 most common symptoms experienced by women in business: Fatigue and even burnout Anxiety Low mood or depression Weight gain, specifically around the midsection Bloating Stress is the leading cause of chronic illness. Chronically elevated cortisol levels due to constant stress can lead to a domino effect of health problems. However, stress is also an important aspect of business growth. We need stress to push ourselves and avoid complacency. The key is to have a recovery plan in place to manage stress and prevent burnout. When we experience stress without a recovery plan, our bodies are impacted in 5 major areas: Hormones (disrupted by high cortisol, leading to issues like low progesterone and testosterone) Inflammation in the gut and brain (contributing to anxiety, brain fog, and low mood) Decreased liver function and increased toxicity (leading to weight gain and fatigue) Decreased thyroid function and neurotransmitters (causing fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating) These issues can then lead to burnout, adrenal fatigue, autoimmune disorders, and other chronic conditions. It's important to address all of these affected areas to regain vitality. This can be done through stacking micro habits, which are small, easy-to-implement changes that can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. 4 Micro Habits to Help Prevent Burnout: Have breakfast within an hour of waking up, ideally containing protein. This helps regulate blood sugar and prevent cortisol spikes. Never have coffee or caffeine on an empty stomach. This can lead to major cortisol spikes and disrupt hormone regulation. End your day with a balanced dinner that includes some complex carbohydrates. This helps stabilize blood sugar and prepare your body for sleep. Master your sleep by going to bed before 10 pm whenever possible. Quality sleep is essential for cell repair and rejuvenation. Make sure to download my free Energy Restore Kit here to assess your burnout risk and get practical recommendations to get rid of fatigue, overwhelm and burnout and get back to PEAK PERFORMANCE... Subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating or review to help spread the message. Share this episode with women in your life who might benefit from this information. The episode transcript is available on the podcast website.

In this episode, Vandghie discusses the link between perimenopause, burnout, and women in business. Key takeaways: Factors contributing to burnout in women in business: Unequal burden of domestic work Imposter syndrome and perfectionism Lack of work-life balance and flexibility Gender gap and underrepresentation in leadership positions Difficulty setting boundaries and saying no Internalizing societal expectations Perimenopause and its contribution to burnout: Fluctuating hormones leading to disrupted sleep, fatigue, and decreased energy Increased sensitivity to stress Physical symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, and brain fog Mental and emotional changes like mood swings, anxiety, and memory lapses Loss of confidence and identity Sleep disturbances Shifting perspectives on burnout: Moving away from wearing burnout as a badge of honor or feeling ashamed about it Recognizing that women can play by different rules than men in business Actions to take: Be mindful of burnout and its signs Practice self-care, including proper sleep, nutrition, and stress management Consider working with a hormone health coach Share the episode with other women in business Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and host bio 04:32 - Sharing a personal story about moving and house renovations 08:23 - Introduction to the topic of burnout 09:23 - Three factors contributing to burnout in women in business: Unequal burden of domestic work (10:04) Workplace dynamics and gender gap (14:34) Individual factors like perfectionism and lack of boundaries (18:42) 23:32 - Perimenopause and its impact on burnout Fluctuating hormones (23:54) Increased stress sensitivity (26:38) Physical symptoms (27:24) Mental and emotional changes (29:12) Loss of confidence and identity (30:40) Sleep disturbances (31:38) 33:12 - Shifting perspectives on burnout 35:32 - Actions to take: mindfulness, self-care, and hormone health coaching 38:22 - Call to action: share the episode and learn more about working with the host 40:08 - Closing remarks If you'd like to learn more about working with me, you can read more here or send me a mail on wellness@vandghie.com.  Let's make 2024 your best year in business yet.

For far too long, women have had to seperate their business from their wellbeing. But your un-wellness will reach a point where you can no longer play to those same rules.  And I believe the future of successful female entrepreneurs include a well qualified and invested health strategist.   Way too many women never reach the success goals in business that they set for themselves, because of the overwhelm and burnout that comes.  We juggle parenting, marriage, business, social life and sometimes even aging parents.  That leaves little to no room for taking care of ourselves. A qualified and experienced hormone health coach can be the missing link to scaling your business to multiple 6 figures and beyond. In this episode, I share the main reasons why I believe every female entrepreneur should consider partnering with a hormone health strategist. I'd love for you to get in touch with me, so send me an email at wellness@vandghie.com or book a free health strategy call here.

It's been 89 episodes since I've last introduced myself. In this episode, I share who I am, a bit of my health journey, my professional experience and why I should be your go-to perimenopause expert. I'd love for you to join me as I walk you through my journey. Previous episode mentioned: GP vs Functional Health Expert: Which To Consult & When If you'd like to get in touch with me, you can do so here: Email: wellness@vandghie.com Website: www.vandghie.com LinkedIn Instagram Facebook  

Sometimes, when we're fighting our battles, we need to know that it's not ME... It's not my body that's broken, or my head that's telling me something is not quite right. You might hear me talk about the major impact of perimenopause on your health, relationships and overall wellness, but Tina's story will bring it home. In this episode, Tina has kindly offered to share her experience before perimenopause, after she discovered what perimenopause was and how life significantly changed for her once she implemented a strategy that worked. Not only did her health and wellness improve, but all of her relationships. Join me as I interview Tina in this episode. Links: You can find out more about The Hormone Health Academy here Book your free discovery call here.

So many women (including myself a few years ago) consult our doctors for everything health. We want to have better overall wellbeing, so the little niggly things concern us and we want to sort it out through consulting our GP. Most of the time however, your GP is unlikely to know what to do with you.  And it's not because he/she is not worth their title, but because you're consulting the wrong health expert. In this episode, I highlight the main differences between a GP and Functional Health Expert (which is what I am). I you're interested to learn more about how to work with you, you can head to my website, www.vandghie.com or send me an email at wellness@vandghie.com.  I'd love to hear from you!

Hormonal imbalance and perimenopause seems to be buzz words at the moment.   There seems to be a lot of so-called experts in your social feed that would like to share all sorts of strategies and education.  So I thought it was about time to talk about what hormonal imbalance during perimenopause really is and what is likely causing it for you. My free coaching program called Thriving Through Perimenopause is a great place to start for assessing what is normal FOR YOU, what is likely causing your symptoms and why your doctor has not been particularly helpful.  I'd love for you to join me in this 2 week program where I'll not only educate you on your hormonal health and body, but I'll also help you to nail down the 5 most critical habits to start regulating your hormones as you move through perimenopause.  Save your seat here.

There are so many so-called health gurus that want to sell you a 'one-size-fits-all' plan to regulate your hormones and get rid of the debilitating symptoms. When it comes to hormonal (and overall) health, it's important to recognise that we are each so individual and unique, that you simply can't follow a strategy that has worked for somebody else and expect the same outcomes. We have to take all of the important factors into consideration, like your health history, your routine, your family situation, your mindsets, etc. In order to truly balance your hormones and thrive through perimenopause, you have to address your health (and life) in a holistic way. In this episode, I share the 5  core strategies that you need to get in place to start moving the needle on your hormonal health, so you can actually thrive through perimenopause! Save your seat to my upcoming free coaching program here, it'll be the best step you take towards happier and healthier hormones. If you'd like to look more into Jan Ditchfield and her wonderful work with Christians, you can find her here.

So often we set aspirations and goals for the new year, only to forget about them soon after.   This year, I've done my planning differently and I'm super excited about it.  It's turned out to be a daily action plan, which I know will make it easy for me to implement. I've set goals in 4 major categories this year: Business Family Personal Community I hope this episode will inspire you make 2024 a year of action, specifically around your hormone health!  It's something you WILL NOT regret! To help you kick off the journey towards happier and healthier hormones, I'm hosting a FREE 2 week coaching program called Thriving Through Perimenopause (TTP).  It's a program that will help you put things in place, which will form the foundation of your healing journey! The women that have gone through this free 2 week course can not believe I've given it all for free.  I'd love for you to join this intake.  You can do this here for free! I hope to see you there!